Businesses onboard for IOP connector improvement project

Paint marks were placed on the side of the IOP Connector Wednesday, as the 5-month improvement project kicked off.

Businesses lining the busy road said it's an effort that's long overdue.

"Crazy traffic in the Summer, especially," said co-owner of Fabric Emporium Laura Shay "It's nuts, a lot of aggressive drivers, trying to get down to the beach and no patience. Hopefully this will eliminate problems."

Fabric Emporium is just one of the surrounding businesses that will soon feel the effects of the construction. But, for Shay, it's well worth the sacrifice.

"They should finish before May and there's always another artery to come around here," said Shay. "So, I think they can make that trip, no worries."

She's confident it won't hurt business. Next door, inside Mosaic Cafe, workers have seen the problems first hand.

"A lot of accidents on this corner and I think the widening of the road will help to alleviate those problems that we've had," said Mosaic chef Jael Allen. "So, I think it's a good thing"

The project will include 1.3 miles of improvements, including widening the road, tree removal, a new storm drainage system and much more.

For the next 5 months these businesses say they're on board and it's full force ahead.